The night sky above Arcanis glittered with two crescent moons, their silver glow washing the forest in ghostly light. The silence after the battle was almost deafening, broken only by the crunch of boots against damp soil.
Rihan walked behind Elira and Lyra, his glowing Spectral Blade now dismissed. His heart still pounded from the fight, but the System's gentle chime reminded him of his rewards.
[Title: The Awakening Blade – Passive: +5% Strength when fighting with allies]
[Skill Progression: Spectral Blade – Incomplete Mastery, Lv. 1]
[Team Combat Interface: Active]
He exhaled. "So… this is real. I'm not dreaming. This world… it's alive."
---
Elira glanced back at him, her emerald eyes sharp even in the dim light. "You did well, human. For someone who stumbled into Arcanis without training, you fought like you'd been here before."
Rihan scratched his head awkwardly. "Trust me, I've never swung a glowing sword in my life. Back home I could barely pass PE class."
Lyra chuckled softly, her staff glowing faintly as she walked. "Yet fate chose you. That cannot be coincidence."
Rihan frowned. "Fate, huh? You two keep mentioning it. What exactly am I supposed to be here?"
---
The priestess's expression softened. "Long ago, an oracle spoke of a wanderer from another world, who would awaken in Arcanis during the Eclipse and become the blade against the Abyss. Many doubted the prophecy. But when you appeared in the temple… the signs aligned."
Elira's tone, however, was colder. "Prophecies can be twisted. I'll judge you not by words but by how you fight beside us."
Rihan muttered, "No pressure…"
---
Hours passed as they made their way along an overgrown path, the forest dense and shadowy around them.
Finally, Rihan broke the silence. "So, what's Sylvaris like? This kingdom you're dragging me to."
Elira's posture straightened slightly. "Sylvaris is the heart of the Elven Dominion. A land of ancient forests, crystal rivers, and the strongest military force in the eastern realms. It is also… my home."
Rihan blinked. "Wait—you mean you're not just some ranger or fighter?"
Lyra smiled knowingly. "You still don't see it? Elira isn't merely a warrior. She's the Princess of Sylvaris."
Rihan nearly tripped. "P-princess?! And I've been arguing with you this whole time?!"
Elira smirked faintly. "If you expect me to bow and wear crowns on the battlefield, you'll be disappointed. Titles don't kill monsters."
Rihan muttered under his breath. "Great… I'm stuck in an Isekai with royalty."
---
As dawn broke, golden light streamed through the trees. The path widened, revealing faint ruins—old stone markers cracked with age.
Rihan tapped one. "What's this place?"
Lyra's gaze grew solemn. "The Fallen Crossroads. Long ago, armies clashed here when the Abyss first tried to invade. Thousands perished. Their souls still linger."
Before Rihan could reply, the System buzzed.
[Warning: Residual Abyssal Corruption Detected]
[Area Status: Unsafe]
The air grew heavier. A faint whisper echoed in the wind, sending chills down Rihan's spine.
He shivered. "Tell me I'm not the only one who heard that."
Elira already had her bow drawn. "We're being watched."
---
Suddenly, the forest shadows deepened unnaturally. Shapes began crawling from the cracks in the ruined stones—twisted figures, half-human, half-smoke. Their hollow eyes glowed faint red.
Lyra gasped. "Wraithspawn… remnants of corrupted souls."
The System flared.
[Quest Triggered: Echoes of the Fallen]
[Objective: Survive the Wraithspawn ambush]
[Bonus Objective: Purify at least 3 souls]
Rihan gritted his teeth, summoning the Spectral Blade again. "Of course. Couldn't just have one peaceful walk."
Elira raised her bow. "Stay sharp. These are not beasts—they're tormented spirits. Hesitate, and they'll consume you."
Lyra's voice rose in a hymn, light gathering around her. "Then let us guide them to peace."
The Wraithspawn screeched in unison and surged forward.
The road to Sylvaris had only just begun—and already, shadows stood in their way.